Lessons from a Retired Truck Driver: How to Live with Purpose and Humility

As I sit here reflecting on my past professions and the various avatars I’ve worn throughout my life, I often find myself thinking about the lessons that can be learned from each journey. Today, I wish to share some valuable insights that have shaped my life and that I hope will be meaningful to others. Whether it’s the days driving a truck, the time spent working in financial management, or leading a classroom full of eager students, each role has taught me something special.

Personal Lessons of Self-Control and Patience

My present status is that of a retired individual, living a peaceful life with my wife and a beloved dog. One of the most valuable traits I would impart to others, if my personal battle with patience could be won, is self-control. Everyone struggles with keeping calm and in check, but this is a battle that is often won through repeated practice and the virtue of patience. Self-control is not just about suppressing emotions; it's about making informed, thoughtful decisions amidst chaos.

Another key lesson from my time as a truck driver is the importance of maintaining safe driving habits. With zero distracted driving and maintaining a consistent speed and distance in traffic, one can significantly reduce the risk of accidents and ensure safe travel for all. This reflects a broader principle of living life with purpose and being mindful every day.

Professional Lessons from a Diverse Career

Over the past 45 years, I have worn many professional hats, including that of an advocate, financial professional, marketing expert, and even a district judge. However, no single job was solely about the money. Each role brought its unique set of challenges and learning opportunities. For instance, I was once a procurement official, a district judge, and a financial professional, all of which required a deep understanding and application of meticulous skills and ethics.

Practical Skills for Daily Life

One practical skill that can greatly save time, especially in a work setting, is the efficient use of tools like Microsoft Excel. Automating repetitive tasks, using formulas, and utilizing advanced features can significantly reduce the number of hours spent on mundane work, allowing more time for productive and creative endeavors.

Another important lesson is the mastery of validating a machine learning model. In the ever-evolving field of data science, the ability to ensure that a model is accurate and reliable is crucial. This involves testing the model against a validation set, checking for overfitting or underfitting, and continuously improving the model based on feedback and new data.

Teaching as a Transformative Experience

Teaching is perhaps one of the most transformative professions, as it brings you face-to-face with students who are eager to learn. As a mentor, presenter, and source of knowledge, it's easy to see yourself as an expert. However, the true essence of teaching lies in humility and a quest for knowledge through asking good questions. Asking questions and encouraging students to think critically and pose their own questions can foster a collaborative and engaging classroom environment.

One of the things I would most wish to pass on to any future teacher is the idea of approaching teaching with an “innocent searching” mindset rather than as a repository of irrefutable knowledge. This mindset requires humility and a willingness to learn from both the students and the subject matter.

Living Life to the Fullest

As I reflect on my journey, I am reminded of the famous words of Billy Graham: ‘I feel I was 20 yesterday but I see how short life is’. This reminder should instill in us the importance of living today to the fullest and recognizing that our future is uncertain. We must embrace each day with the belief that it could be our last.

My hope is that these lessons will inspire you to live your life with purpose, humility, and a sense of gratitude. Remember, life is short, so make the most of every day.

Thank God for the lessons and the opportunities that life presents.